
Digital Water Network Launched in Qatar’s Growing Urban Districts
An advanced metering initiative drives efficiency and sustainability across Doha’s new residential zones.
🌍 Project Overview
As one of the fastest-developing countries in the Gulf region, Qatar has made strategic investments in smart infrastructure to support urban expansion and sustainable resource use. In line with the national digital transformation agenda, key residential districts in Doha and surrounding cities have launched a large-scale smart water metering project.
The initiative aims to digitize the water distribution network, reduce losses, and provide both utilities and end users with real-time consumption visibility.
🛠️ Technical Scope
Santrua supplied 25,000 of ultrasonic water meters, designed for high-precision measurement and long-term durability under the region’s hot, arid climate. These meters are integrated into a multi-layer IoT communication architecture, including:
Cellular LPWAN (NB-IoT) for reliable data transmission over long distances
LoRaWAN for localized mesh networking in dense urban areas
Wireless M-Bus modules for seamless integration with Qatar’s existing utility infrastructure
The system also includes remote shut-off valves, tamper detection, and automated consumption alerts, all managed through a centralized data platform.
💡 Challenges Addressed
Expanding water networks in newly built urban districts
High non-revenue water rates due to undetected leaks
Limited visibility into consumption trends across residential zones
Harsh environmental conditions requiring robust metering solutions
🌟 Benefits Delivered
✅ Accurate billing based on real-time readings
✅ Rapid leak detection and proactive maintenance
✅ Optimized water pressure and resource allocation
✅ Improved customer awareness through end-user dashboards
✅ Scalable network for future district expansions
“This digital water network is more than a utility upgrade — it’s a foundation for long-term sustainability and operational excellence.”
— Project Director, Qatar Smart Water Program
🔎 Looking Ahead
The success of the initial deployment is driving further expansion. The utility aims to connect additional urban zones and integrate the platform with Qatar’s broader Smart Nation initiatives, including district cooling, energy metering, and smart building systems.